Jordan Marshall, policy development manager at the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed, said people in local communities continue value micro-businesses, like independent, family-run shops.”

But he added that the resources available for micro-businesses varies a lot depending on where they are located and that council-funded initiatives like co-working and networking spaces can help micro-business owners reduce costs.

He said: “The extent to which the council supports these spaces will have quite a big effect on independent businesses.”

Mr Marshall also said that advances in technology have made it easier for people to run micro-businesses from home.

He added: “Remote working means you can operate a business from anywhere.

“You’re not dependent on large employers, and you can have clients anywhere in the world.”

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